Ukraine Slams Hungary’s Entry Ban on Ukrainian Officers as ‘Absurd Manipulation’

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest escalated after Hungary imposed entry bans on three senior Ukrainian military officials over the death of an ethnic Hungarian man during mobilization, The Gaze reports.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed the move Thursday, citing the death of Sebestyén József — a dual Hungarian-Ukrainian citizen — and blaming Ukrainian military authorities for alleged misconduct during his conscription.

Ukraine reacted sharply. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Hungary’s actions “unfounded and absurd,” accusing Budapest of manipulating the tragic incident and showing blatant disrespect to Ukraine’s military. 

“Hungary's manipulations, and we will not tolerate such disrespect for our military. Ukraine reserves the right to take appropriate action in response,” he posted on X.

Kyiv has launched a full investigation into Sebestyén’s death, while local media and officials in Hungary continue to accuse Ukraine of abuse during mobilization. The case has deepened already-strained relations between the two neighbors.

As The Gaze previously reported, Hungary and Slovakia have jointly signaled their intent to block the European Union’s proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia, objecting to measures that would phase out imports of Russian gas and oil.